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Autumn/Winter 2017 Fashion Trends: The 11 Looks You Need to Know

The autumn/winter 2017 fashion trends are shaping up to be very good news for your wardrobe. Why? Well, rather than the old-fashioned system of one thing being "out" while another is deemed "in," designers have broken down the boundaries of what can be considered of-the-moment. Many trends are hitting their third or fourth winter season in favour (take the chunky knit and midi skirt combination for example), and that's a wondrous thing. Not only have you come accustomed to that particular way of styling, but it's highly likely you'll own one or more pieces to get going again without delay. If it ain't broke…

Then there are the genuinely new autumn/winter trends that have almost been built just to make us happy. While a lot was said on the runways—quite literally when it came to the many social, economical and political outpourings of emotion via slogans—the fashion world also agrees that clothes can be a way to lift one's spirits when all else seems a bit grim. From vibrant colours that are best worn head-to-toe to the frippery of feathers, fluff and frills being embellished upon every item imaginable, there's no shortage of fun being had in design circles. Even the simple addition of a pair of loud tights will bring your wardrobe into the here and now.

Keep reading to learn about the A/W 17 fashion trends every girl will want to have in her arsenal next season…

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L-R: Fendi, Roksanda, Max Mara.

If there's one hue that screams A/W 17 from a mile off, it's red. Worn boldly via each and every piece of many catwalk looks, this is one colourful idea that actually feels approachable for mere mortals. In fact, it just so happens to the most flattering colour on all skin tones, so it's a win-win.

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Givenchy

It was so omnipresent that Givenchy's first collection without Riccardo Tisci at the helm was entirely rendered in red (pictured here). Add that to a list of major names—Fendi to Giambattista Valli to Alberta Ferretti—and you have yourself a super-trend in the works.

Bag and shoe trends abounded at the shows, but one cost-effective styling trick proved too good to ignore. Tights switched from annoying afterthought to the linchpin holding some of the strongest looks together.

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Whether fluffy and nerdish (like at Mulberry) or laden with 1980s references (see the many white bridal-like tights at this Nina Ricci show), there's no denying that this trend will pick up where the fishnet brigade left off.

If Miuccia Prada says everything is better with a marabou trim, we're inclined to agree. She wasn't the only trailblazer who found themselves leaning towards exciting, touch-me textures instead of prints. After all, this kind of tactile action does feel very luxurious…

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A significant sector of this sumptuous trend made itself very known thanks to a flurry of shearling coats. You can find a style and colour to suit your every cold-weather whim—but our top choice still goes to this vibrant purple creation by Preen.

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Say it loud, say it clearly, and definitely say it with your clothes first. The runways were full of dissidence and/or encouragement—prompting the onlooking crowds to be unified, but also to use their wardrobes as a vehicle for change. Many of the brands that would usually rely on logo-power (think Versace) took this tack instead—but we know these bold graphics will be just as recognisable in no time.

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Jason Wu's slew of empowering logo tees were instantly adopted by the street style set. But then again, when the designer T-shirt trend won't slow down, is it any wonder the industry is maxing out on this retail winner?

Summer's mini-bag trend probably won't fade away (who doesn't love being hands-free?) but there's a wave of gigantic arm candy for autumn, and it makes sense. We're constantly lugging around three different receptacles—so why not condense everything you need into a chic alternative?

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Just because A/W 17's handbags are huge, doesn't mean they can't be a bit Haute. See the detailed leather knots, stitching and tasselled tchotchkes on this Acne Studios creation for proof.

It's a tried-and-tested failsafe combination all year round in the UK, so we're thankful to the design houses of these leading brands for confirming that there's still plenty of mileage to be had in a midi skirt and a chunky jumper.

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Add in a pair of bovver boots (they were present all over the A/W 17 shows, and we particularly liked this Sacai iteration), and you've instantly jettisoned this now-classic formula into a modern zone.

Has 2017 been the year of the corset belt? Yes. But could it be in competition with hats for A/W? Absolutely. Some of the most influential brands on the block made sure to top off every ensemble with a bold—and usually big—hat. Bad hair days can now be a thing of the past.

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It was the exaggerated baker boy–style hat (as seen here at Miu Miu, but also on multiple other catwalks) that seemed like it could take hold of the fashion crowd. Our reasoning? It's less like wearing a costume when you compare it to the floppy hats of the '70s and smarter than the waning baseball cap trend.

Boho is never far from the style psyche, but rather than full-on 1970s throwbacks, this season an artsy spirit manifested itself in a series of craft-inspired dresses. When Gucci, Valentino and Alexander McQueen are all marching to the same beat, you know this is one dress trend that really has legs—and will probably be copied umpteen times on the high street.

L-R: Gucci, Erdem, Valentino.

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Muted colours, patchworked fabrics and prints lifted from across the globe, these dresses (like the McQueen gown pictured here) were created to look highly romantic and also highly individual.

If all other trends fail you, then simply add a pair of decorative, crystal-laden shoes, and you'll be joyful. We promise. These fit-for-a-princess heels dotted some of our favourite runways and were worn with equally decadent clothes. In real life? They're a perfect pick-me-up for any casual outfit.

L-R: Miu Miu, Rochas, Dolce & Gabbana.

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Many of these twinkly footwear finds looked like they'd be pulled out of a royal archive: Think of rococo-style heels that have been pumped up to greater heights for 2017 or brocade and jacquard fabrics (like these Mary Katrantzou mules) that have been almost ripped from a stately home and put onto statement shoes.

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If you thought this year's crop tops were revealing, just wait until you see what's happening for autumn. Book in a lymphatic massage, and get the body-brush out because there are very short hemlines on the way. Not only that, but many of these risqué cuts were also paired with over-the-knee boots. A trend that could be considered daring—but for high-octane Saint Laurent girls, it's a walk in the park.

L-R: Topshop Unique, Burberry, Saint Laurent.

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But it's not all scary news. Some runways—like Isabel Marant, pictured here—provided more demure alternatives. Combine a pair of her slouchy OTKs with a billowing dress or layer them over jeans for a more laid-back take.

Raf Simons's debut at Calvin Klein confirmed a lot of things (cowboy boots are back, and no one combines colours quite like him, for example) but it was this austere-looking grey suit that confirmed the trend taking over New York. A checked grey suit is shaping up to be the number one pillar of any girl's autumn wardrobe, whether you choose it for the office or a brunch date.

L-R: Tibi, Calvin Klein, Victoria Beckham.

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What's important to know about the trend is that it has been updated in myriad ways to suit whatever your silhouette or style preferences may be. If boyish tailoring feels out of your comfort zone, then perhaps the body-skimming and fringed trims of Ellery's culottes version will get your vote.